Jain Bronze Tirthankara Shrine – India, likely 19th Century
Description that I have found : This is a beautifully detailed Jain bronze shrine depicting a seated Tirthankara (likely Mahavira), the spiritual teacher in Jainism, enclosed within a pierced architectural arch structure (torana). The figure is seated in a meditative pose (padmasana), with characteristic stylization: symmetrical composition, elongated earlobes, and a serene facial expression. Iconography & Features: • Main figure: The central Tirthankara figure bears the traditional yogic posture and a circular halo behind the head. • Multiple attendants and miniature figures adorn the architectural setting, indicating reverence and cosmic hierarchy. • Perforated arch (Torana): Richly decorated with elephants, lions, and celestial beings. These are common motifs symbolizing strength and divine guardianship in Jain temple art. • Canopy above the head, in the form of a parasol (chhatra), denotes honor and spiritual elevation. • Back inscription: Features Devnagari or Gujarati script, likely referencing the name of the Tirthankara, the patron, or a dedication date (not entirely legible from the image but worth expert reading). Material & Technique: • Cast using the lost-wax method (cire perdue). • Bronze with a rich dark brown patina, with traces of ritual handling and oxidation. • Intricate cut-out work and miniature modeling suggest skilled craftsmanship. Origin: • Western or Central India (Gujarat or Rajasthan likely). • Dating: 19th century, possibly earlier depending on patina and stylistic parallels. Condition: • Good overall with natural wear and minor oxidation consistent with age. • No visible breaks or repairs. • Back inscription slightly worn but still visible.
~H 13,5cm W 9 cm D 4,5cm
Inherited
Yes
Hello, this item is a Jain bronze shrine from India, most likely dating to the 19th century, representing a seated Tirthankara figure enclosed within a pierced torana (arch). The central figure, probably Mahavira, is rendered in the typical yogic posture (padmasana), with symbolic attributes such as a circular halo, elongated earlobes, and a canopy (chattra) above. The shrine features miniature attendants and celestial beings, which, together with motifs like elephants and lions, reflect iconographic conventions found in Jain temple art of Gujarat or Rajasthan. The bronze was produced using the lost-wax method (cire perdue), showing a rich dark patina with oxidation patterns consistent with ritual use and age.
In today’s market, Jain bronze shrines of this size and quality generally appeal to collectors of Indian religious art and ethnographic artifacts. While larger and more elaborate Jain bronzes command higher prices, smaller tabletop shrines like this one measuring approximately 13.5 cm in height are valued for their intricate workmanship and historical significance. At reputable auction houses and specialist galleries, similar 19th-century examples typically achieve prices between $700 and $1,500 USD.
Hi,
Thank you for your appraisal.
I have listed this bronze on Catawiki and I was told that they have a doubt about the authenticity. Any clue about that? A few years ago I had a physical appraisal form Christie's but lost it.
Thanks